Why wait...?

[Highrisedrifter]

I honestly don't understand this 'next-iteration chasing' that goes on. This is something that I have been questioning recently and I would genuinely like people's thoughts on this. Not on the specifics of waiting for a particular device but more the mindset behind the decision to do so.

Take the iPhone for example. Once the next version is announced and a definite launch date is released, I can totally understand why people might not want to get the old one if the new one is going to be here in a month, unless some pretty hefty enticements are made or they had a genuine need (not just a desire) to get it then. I get it, the closer we get to a launch date, there is more reason to wait. There are even sites dedicated to telling you the 'best' time to buy an Apple device and whether it is early, mid or late in the launch cycle. In my opinion, the 'best' time to buy a device is juuuuust before you need it.

I've always been a person that if I need a device now, i'll get it now. If I don't need it, I won't buy it unless I get some good incentives to do so, whether monetary or otherwise, like a business reason etc. For example, I held off on the Apple Watch until December, for instance, even though I wanted one when they launched. The fact that it had been out for nine months by that point didn't even remotely feature in my mind. I bought my iPhone 5s two months before the 6 came out because I destroyed my iPhone 5 and needed a replacement. I considered the fact that the 6 would be out in two months and then dismissed it because I needed a phone now, not in two months.

But to hold out for an unseen, unquantified, nebulous product with no actual launch date just seems weird to me. Maybe it's folks that don't actually need the device but just want the device?

Heck, why wait for the iPhone 7? Why not wait for the iPhone 12? After all, we know that is going to be better than what we have now, right?

To me, it seems like people are generally either stuck in the past, or living for tomorrow. Rarely do I find people actually rooted in the present and I wonder if that is a symptom of this trend.

This is an honest question. I'm intrigued by this phenomenon and would love to hear people's thoughts on this.

 

[screaminggoat_s]

I would say one of the main reasons would be Apple playing to peoples' "fear of missing out" and being accepted in society... It's not so much that we don't think the current device is good enough, it's that we expect that the new one would make us regret getting the old one for the next 1/2 years.

 

[Ipheuria]

A bad work man blames his tools. I find it funny that people want to lay blame at Apple's feet. Apple is a company, marketing and selling is what they do. It's no different from any other brand some are just better at it than others. There are many different reasons I can think about for waiting or not. I can see someone waiting for two months IF they can. The reason to me is that when the new device comes out the price is always the same. It's not like the new device costs more. So in only 2-5 months you would get new hardware and features for the same money. There are so many different situations and factors. Some people don't need phones. While others need it for work or family situations. In my case it's more about time and whether I have something or nothing at all. I used to only upgrade my iPhone on alternating models because I always pay full price. We are all most of us a little spoiled. I remember when I would go years without upgrading my computer or phone. Now I wont use an iPhone 5s because the screen is small and the phone feels slow. Yet when it was new I used it for a whole year and loved it.

 

[screaminggoat_s]

I'd like to highlight that I didn't mean to come across as blaming Apple if that's what you're saying. My bad if I did :rotfl: , but yes, they are just the best at the game at what they do. If I was to buy an HTC One for example, I don't think I'd have quite the same feeling and fear of missing out when it comes to their next phone being released.

 

[Trees]

I think the point about a need or want is accurate. I have a 6S+, and when the iPhone 7 is released, I won't need it, but will probably want it if the new features and iOS are sufficiently better than what I have now. That last part is likely subjective for each of us.

Now I do like following what new tech is on the way. That can help directly or indirectly create the want.

 

[Sherry_B]

if I need a device now, i'll get it now. If I don't need it, I won't buy it

This is basically how I feel. I will generally hold on to a phone until it's beginning to act wonky (enough so that a factory reset or a new custom rom doesn't help). I've always been an Android gal but my S4 was acting weird (plus Google was angering me with their lack of OS updates) and the iPhone 6s caught my attention.

I don't care about the upcoming possible 5se or the 7 or 8 etc. etc. etc. I'll get excited over a new phone when my 6s goes on the fritz.

 

[libra89]

I agree with you.

I think for some things, it depends on the reasons for the want, and if they are strong enough.

Before transitioning to iOS permanently, I got a Nexus 5x because I felt the need to try my options outside of Windows Phone. Looking at the writing on the wall for the state of things, I felt like it was foolish to not try it. It helped that there was a wonderful promo that knocked down the 16gb model to something that isn't as expensive for me. After that experience, I decided to try iOS because Android was a bit much for me. And obviously, I chose to stick with it, which is why I am here.

In some people's eyes, including my own sister, didn't understand why I felt the need to do this. For me, it was a need and I do not regret my trials. However, for me, I do have a strong want/desire to get the iPhone SE. As a T-Mobile customer, I noticed that Band 12 has rolled out across the state I live, which means better coverage. My previous devices all have that band, so I was able to take advantage. Now, it's shut out to me because I like the size of the 5s. I don't think it's bad to have a strong want to try a device that will give me better coverage, which I am already paying for.